Cell phone searches violation of 4th Amendment?

Law enforcement officers need a warrant to search your home computer. But for many of people, their phone is their computer. Still, your texts, emails, pictures and even Facebook are open to searches.

Collier County resident Zachary Lhote spent Monday night in jail. During his arrest, his phone was confiscated and hasn't been returned to him since his release. The cell phone is now considered evidence in his case and he says that's not fair.

The 19-year-old says his rights were violated.

"I'm feeling kind of hurt, disrespected - a number of things. It's completely against moral rights I believe," he said.

Lhote was arrested by Collier County deputies for marijuana possession.

Before taking him to jail, officers confiscated his phone and reportedly found text messages about the sale and purchase of marijuana. They also say they found pictures of Lhote with the drug.

Now Lhote says he fears the evidence will be unfairly used against him.

"They should have had a warrant," he said.

Legally, Florida law enforcement officers don't need a warrant to search a suspect's cell phone after an arrest.

"When a person is arrested, you are allowed to search any items that are on their person or within their immediate reach," said Mike Williams, with the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

With today's technology, officers can access pretty much any type of personal information on your phone - everything from text messages to emails, pictures - even your Facebook account.

NBC2: Everything on that phone is fair game?Williams: If you can find it – yeah, absolutely. I'm not aware of any limitations.